Iron Sculpture
Aluminum nativity scene, 'Peace on Earth'
Resplendent in ethereal glory, Mary and Joseph welcome the baby Jesus into the world of mortals. Each statuette is delicately cast in aluminum. Hand-crafted by Luis Martinez Gallardo, this moving nativity scene reflects Mexico's long-standing metalworking tradition.
Iron statuette, 'Rustic Drummer'
Fairly dancing to the beat, a drummer pounds fast rhythms from his drums. Shining cymbals vibrate in this delightful sculpture. Armando Ram�rez transforms recycled bicycle and automobile parts into a rustic work of art.
Iron sculpture, 'Monkey Business'
A monkey swings from one hand in this rustic sculpture by Marco Polo. The whimsical simian's body is a stone.
Auto part sculpture, 'Rustic Friends'
Mexico's Armando Ram�rez achieves an enviable feat as he recycles nuts and bolts into a vivid sculpture. He conjures the image of a man sitting on a bench, leisurely reading the paper with his dog by his side. Ram�rez transforms a regular sparkplug into the man's body.
Auto part statuette, 'Rustic Monster Motorbike'
Armando Ramirez transforms a collection of metal pieces including thick wires and tube pipes to create this impressive motorbike. Other pieces that once made part of a car's electric and ignition systems have a more specialized function in this sculpture.
Iron sculpture, 'Rustic Steam Engine'
This tiny train engine is built from discarded thick wire, metal sheets, nuts and screws, as well as discarded pieces from a die machine. Once Armando Ram�rez builds the train's main frame, he uses a cog from a car's electric system and die pieces to form the cauldron.
Iron statuette, 'Rustic Mustang'
Rearing, snorting and pawing the air, a wild stallion takes shape from an amazing assortment of bicycle and automobile parts. Pulleys form the face, while wire becomes the mane and tail. Metal bits left from a die cutter are transformed into the body.
Auto part key rack, 'Rustic Gecko'
Clinging to the wall, a gecko holds keys on his sinuous tail. Armando Ram�rez creates this whimsical sculpture from discarded automotive parts. An ignition rocker arm becomes the head, gears form the body and screws are transformed into toes. Galvanized wire completes the piece.
Auto part statuette, 'Thoughtful Don Quixote'
Seated on a tree stump, Don Quixote de la Mancha ponders his life. Armando Ram�rez depicts the beloved character from Miguel de Cervantes' 17th century novel, sculpting the idealistic knight from recycled car parts.
Iron statuette, 'Rustic Basket Ball Final'
It's the last seconds of the game and the ball is in the basket in an entertaining sculpture by Mexico's Armando Ramirez. His ingenious sense of art is evident in the admirable way in which he recycles scrap metal.